JEE aspirant dies by suicide, fourth case in Kota this month

According to the Kota Deputy Superintendent of Police, Yogesh Sharma, the boy had been residing at his late grandmother’s house along with his cousin.

“He was in Class 12 and preparing for his board exams apart from JEE. According to his cousin, on Friday, they both had dinner and retired to their respective rooms. On Saturday morning when the boy did not open the door, his cousin called other family members who later informed the police. Upon arrival, they forced opened the door only to find the boy hanging,” said Sharma.

The boy’s maternal uncle, Mahaveer Jain, while talking to the media said Manan had been living in Kota for the last 3 years.

“He was a very sincere and studious boy. His family had sent him here to study while he was still in Class 9. We had no indication that he was under any kind of stress. His parents live in Indergarh in Bundi district and he was supposed to appear for the JEE exam on January 22 next week. His death has shaken up the family deeply. We do not want any post-mortem and just want to put him to rest. The family has also decided to donate his eyes,” he said.

Sharma said the police and district administration are proactively trying to raise awareness against suicide by conducting door-to-door programmes. A 24/7 suicide helpline is also functioning especially for the students in Kota.

Additionally, the hostel association and the coaching business owners are also witnessing a decline in the number of admissions that has impacted the economy of the city.